Guide to Microblading vs. Permanent Makeup: What Is The Difference?
Microblading vs. permanent makeup? Which one is better and how are they different?
If you are wondering what microblading is and how it is different from permanent makeup then you’re in luck!
Here’s the scoop on microblading vs. permanent makeup!
What Is Microblading?
Microblading is the newest trend for beautiful eyebrows.
This popular eyebrow enhancement technique is a semi-permanent tattooing technique used to create the appearance of extremely fine, natural hair. The look achieved with microblading can be symmetrical or asymmetrical, depending on your wishes.
It is an ideal method of creating the natural look of fuller eyebrows.
The Technique
The semi-permanent makeup microblading is done with a hand tool. This tool has ten to 15 needles attached in one-millimeter increments, creating hair-like strokes.
The goal is not to create deep grooves because that will make the skin appear leathery. It is rather to place pigmentation between the dermis and epidermis. This allows for smoother, natural results that resemble actual brow hairs.
The microblading technique is a manual method. It uses a hand-held tool to create accurate hairlines that are more realistic than tattoos or brow pencils alone.
This is because you’re replicating nature by drawing individual eyebrow hairs onto your face. This creates the appearance of natural eyebrow hair.
Additionally, because it is executed with a manual tool instead of a machine. This means that there’s much more control over each stroke.
What to Expect
The main difference between microblading and traditional tattooing is that you can see where the needle is going into your skin. So, it’s important to choose a talented artist who understands how to create a realistic look.
They typically use a manual tool that has different types of needle groupings. This helps to create the natural look of full brows, ombre brows, or whatever you want with a semi-permanent pigment. These pigments are time color pigments that are meant to last a while but not forever.
It takes about one hour to get the semi-permanent procedure done, followed by another hour for touchups if necessary.
When you get these treatments done, they apply numbing cream to the superficial layer of the skin. Next, they will use a manual blade to achieve symmetry of the brows.
The bruising and swelling of the microblading process are unavoidable. It’s recommended that you have two weeks off from work or school to get yourself back on track.
Aftercare
Your new brows will likely be red after the procedure, which may last up to three days. So, please plan accordingly!
You’ll also want to avoid any heavy exercise during this period. The most important thing to remember for your recovery is that you can’t touch your eyebrows until fully healed. This takes about three weeks.
During this time, it’s essential to always use sunscreen on them to protect them from any bacteria or infection in between appointments.
After microblading, you should continue with regular eyebrow maintenance every four weeks in order to maximize results and minimize fullness in the brows.
How Long Does It Take To Heal?
Healing time for this form of permanent makeup is typically 2 to 3 weeks.
Once it has healed completely, you can begin applying makeup as usual. It will look like nothing ever happened!
There may be some residual color that lasts throughout the first week or two after application. However, this varies from person to person and depends upon how deep the needle penetrated your skin.
Most clients report no discomfort during the healing process. It is recommended that clients avoid strenuous activities such as lifting heavy objects or swimming for the first week.
How Long Does It Last?
This method can last anywhere from 12 to 18 months. The longevity of this procedure depends on your skin type and how well you care for your new eyebrows.
Your practitioner will go over aftercare instructions with you at the time of your appointment.
It is important to stick closely to these guidelines in order to preserve the life of your microblading.
You may also wish to use sunscreen when going outdoors. This procedure has been known to make clients more sensitive to sun exposure for a few weeks following treatment.
It is advisable that you don’t do anything that could result in significant damage to the area while it is healing.
When Should You Get A Touch-Up?
Your practitioner will let you know how often you should return for a touch-up. Most clients find that they need their second appointment anywhere from 3 to 6 months after their initial treatment.
If nothing has grown back by then, there’s no need for concern! Sometimes clients do not see any new growth until about 6 months post-treatment.
Other factors may prolong the life of your microblading; these include skin type and sun exposure.
The average cost of microblading treatment is $1,000 – $2,500 per session (plus tip). This price reflects the definition of your brows, not including the initial consultation appointment or necessary touch-ups.
What Is Permanent Makeup?
Permanent makeup is a cosmetic technique for applying natural or dyed pigment into the dermal layer of skin. This creates aesthetically appealing enhancements to one’s appearance via artistic tattooing.
Permanent cosmetics may precisely define natural brows, restore or alter lip coloration, and downplay wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes and lip lines.
This is especially helpful for women who don’t have enough time or patience to apply pencil eyeliner every day or camouflage areas of permanent discoloration on the face or body.
Professionals do not use traditional tattoo ink in this process. It is made to last like a typical tattoo but the process uses iron oxide to create the natural fuller brows look.
The Technique
This permanent makeup procedure is done partially by hand and with a tattoo gun. Therefore the results are different than digital machine tattooing.
Professional permanent makeup artists claim that today’s methods of permanent make-up application provide more natural-looking color with superior vibrancy.
Some blame the bad reactions on an allergic reaction due to the red ink used beforehand.
However, this does not typically occur upon return for touch-ups. It is important to know that many techs now work independently after having completed extensive training, including certification exams.
How Long Does It Take To Heal?
The healing time for permanent makeup depends on whether you choose traditional ink pigments, semi-permanent mineral pigments, micro-pigmentation, cosmetic tattooing, or other methods.
Your practitioner will go over aftercare instructions with you at the time of your initial consultation appointment.
You will likely experience some redness and swelling for the first few days. If scabs form, they will most likely be at the edges of the tattoo. It is important not to pick at them as this could pull pigment away from the site.
Your practitioner should advise you on aftercare prior to treatment; if they don’t, it may be wise to find another practitioner to perform your treatment with.
Do keep in mind that strong sunlight or tanning beds during healing will make you more sensitive to sun exposure following treatment.
Microblading Vs. Permanent Makeup
Both of these current trends have made their way to the front of the beauty industry in recent years.
Of course, there are different ways to do your eyebrows, like powder brows, and soap brows. However, the cosmetic procedure of these forms of a cosmetic tattoo can change the amount of time you take to achieve the perfect eyebrows.
These trends both use individual strokes to create a solid look of the eyebrow area.
Microblading is a cosmetic tattooing technique that creates the appearance of hair strokes using only one or two very fine needles. The look achieved with microblading is a semi-permanent technique; depending on client care, color can last anywhere from 6 months to three years.
Permanent makeup is a form of eyebrow tattooing that goes through the second dermal layer of the skin. Permanent eyeliner is another option to enhance facial features, bone structure, and brow shape.
What makes you a good candidate for the microblading procedure or the permanent solutions is if the great deal of time you take to do your makeup makes your morning harder, or if you have thin eyebrows and want the look of fuller brows.
The main difference between the two is that the permanent makeup brows use a bit of machine work and last longer. Microblading, on the other hand, must get touched up to keep the appearance of full brows.
Aestheticians or licensed medical professionals perform these procedures.
You should also take into consideration if you have any medical conditions that might interfere with either procedure, this will insure your safety.
When it comes to these two makeup hacks, it is important to look into the pros and cons of each way. Additionally, you should look into any alternatives before making your decision.
For more beauty scoop, check out these articles:
- What Is Facial Contouring And What It Does For Your Face
- Nail Polish vs Nail Lacquer: What Is The Difference Between Them?
- What to Wear After a Spray Tan
